Learn tips and tricks featuring a special adventure to save money on

1. Towards Montenegro Budva
2. Budva Day 1
3. Budva Day 2
4. Day Trip To Kotor
   1. How to get to Kotor fortress for free
5. Back To Budva

Towards Montenegro Budva

With the bus leaving in the early afternoon from Shkodër, Albania, there was some time to kill. After devouring some breakfast and asking if we could leave our bags at the hostel for a few hours (they said yes, almost like a proposal!), it was time for some exploring. The only issue? The weather wasn’t being kind—rain was lashing down, forcing me to don a jacket to fend off the relentless water attacks.

Luckily, during the walk, the rain began to ease, allowing for some enjoyment as we wandered the streets, soaking in the Albanian culture one last time. The mix of different buildings, the vibe of the locals, and—one of the highlights—a sad-looking dog, who, moments later, I spotted either acting as a security guard outside an ATM or, more likely, attempting to withdraw some funds itself.

So after being hustled by the dog and having to buy him a penthouse, lunch was beckoning. Full of originality, I decided to head back to the same place as the night before. Why change when the food is top-notch and the price is just as good, right? (Well, plenty of reasons, Jordan, but let’s not get into that…) Once again, it lived up to the hype, and after stuffing myself to the absolute brim, it was time to embark on the next adventure: Montenegro.

But not before grabbing some crucial snack supplies for the bus ride, of course. Priorities!

Switching sides of the road to chat with a local about where the bus would come from felt like a tactical move, and sure enough, it sparked the waiting game. While standing around, a couple of Kiwi girls showed up, also waiting for the same bus. It really is a small world when you’re halfway across the globe, yet still running into fellow New Zealanders. We shared some travel stories to pass the time, and then finally, the bus rolled up.

Now, this bus driver? A bit of a character. He started with the usual fee for storing big bags underneath, which is normal for some services. But then, he tried his luck by insisting we pay for storing carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment because there was “no room.” Before things escalated into a showdown (I nearly had to lace up my invisible boxing gloves), a firm “no” followed by a promise to stash the bags at our feet worked.

Once we got on and found our seats, it became clear the bus was just over half full. The driver had been angling for some extra lunch money by trying to charge for the overhead space, which, in reality, had more open space than the Sahara Desert. So, in a victory for justice, my bag chilled at my feet for a bit but eventually made its way to the overhead compartment.

The ride itself? Smooth sailing. The views of Montenegro’s landscape and towns were breathtaking, making the journey more enjoyable. After a quick stop in Podgorica, the capital, where a few folks got off and others hopped on, we finally arrived in Budva after a 4-hour ride. Thanks to the on-bus Wi-Fi, the trip flew by.

Budva Day 1

Fortunately, the apartment was just around the corner from the bus station, making the transition smooth. On the way, I passed what looked like a mini zoo, complete with rabbits, tortoises, and other small critters—definitely an unexpected sight! Despite it being 6pm, the sun was still beating down, but walking under vine-covered canopies brought some welcome shade and relief from the heat.

When I reached the apartment, it was a modest but comfortable size, especially for the price. The location was even better—just a short walk to the nearest beach, which stretched all the way to Budva’s Old Town. It was shaping up to be another win for both convenience and value, the perfect setup to start this new leg of the journey.

With the bags dropped off and the evening still young, there was nothing left to do but explore the place we had journeyed so far to reach. The walk down to the beach proved to be an interesting one. Budva seemed to be in the middle of a transformation, with plenty of new fancy hotels under construction, clearly aiming to attract more tourists each day. It felt like one of those places you want to visit before it becomes overrun and prices shoot through the roof.

Just past the construction zones, we stumbled upon a lively market area. Tents were set up selling everything from T-shirts to mini souvenirs, creating a buzzing atmosphere. As we ventured further, the path opened up along the waterfront, revealing a stretch lined with higher-end restaurants and bars, all perched perfectly to overlook the pristine, clear water and the iconic stone beaches. It was a blend of modern tourism and coastal charm, setting the scene for the evening.

When facing the waterfront and heading right, you eventually stumble upon Old Town, a captivating area rich in history and stunning architecture that exudes a timeless charm. True to its name, it’s the heart of Budva’s ancient past, a place where cobblestone streets and historical buildings take you back in time. However, this time around, our focus was on getting to the more picturesque beaches, so we ventured around the back of Old Town and continued on our way.

The journey itself was still visually rewarding. The area around Old Town showcases a brilliant blend of contemporary and traditional architecture. The newer buildings, with their sleek glass and steel structures, manage to harmonise beautifully with the older, more rustic stone designs. It’s a careful mix that respects the historical roots of the area while adding a modern flair.

Just in front of these buildings and the beach clubs lies Plaža Ričardova, one of the beautiful beaches in Budva. Here, you can spot an old wharf extending slightly out into the water, adding to the serene vibe. In the background, Old Town stands tall, with its walls, fort, and church forming a picture-perfect setting, creating a seamless blend of past and present. See images below.

Just a short walk further along the coast, about two minutes from the previous picturesque spot, we came across a tourist attraction that added a bit of charm to the journey—a sculpture of a woman striking a graceful pose on a rock, with a stunning backdrop of the Adriatic Sea and the landscape behind her. It was a captivating sight, and as you’d expect, it draws plenty of attention from passersby for both the art and the views.

But we didn’t linger too long because the real prize was just around the bend—the beaches we’d been hunting down, courtesy of TikTok’s finest recommendations. Enter Mogren Beach—or rather, Mogren Beaches. Yup, there are two of them, separated by a chunk of rock. The cool bit? There’s a tiny tunnel through the rock that connects the two, for those wanting a little side quest. Not into tunnels? Fair enough. You can swim or wade your way around, if you’re feeling a bit more “open water adventurer” about it.

These two beauties share the same bay, so no matter where you plant yourself, you’re getting those crystal-clear waters and epic views. Mogren Beach wasn’t just a win—it was a total jackpot, living up to the TikTok hype. It felt like I’d unlocked a secret slice of Budva, where the world slows down, and the only real task is deciding whether to dive in or chill on the sand.

Even though the clock was ticking past 7pm and the sun was already making its exit, a quick dip was basically non-negotiable. The views? Unreal. The water? Clear and calling my name like it was personally inviting me in. So, right next to that rock formation—the one splitting the beach from the other beach—I couldn’t resist a little spontaneous plunge, rocking nothing but my undies. No shame here, just pure bliss, as the grin plastered on my face post-dip can attest.

Side note, as I was drying off, I noticed something pretty hilarious. The rocks, still warm from baking in the sun all day, had turned into sneaky little cat beds. These furry locals had found themselves the ultimate heated platforms, lounging like royalty on their natural rock thrones. Sure, it was still stone and hard as ever, but clearly, they didn’t mind a bit.

Now, it was time to dive into the nighttime magic of Old Town and hunt down what I was sure would be the best pasta of my life. Stepping through the gate in the ancient walls felt like entering a different world, where the narrow streets—some of which have been standing for over 2,500 years—whisper tales of history. It’s a surreal experience, to say the least.

As I wandered through, I was struck by how the old buildings have gracefully embraced modernity, housing shops and restaurants that blend seamlessly into the historical fabric. Seriously, the vibe was electric, with an atmosphere that you could practically taste. And don’t even get me started on the views from the old town walls! Watching the sun dip below the sea, casting golden hues over everything, was downright breathtaking.

Words and photos could hardly capture the essence of it all, so if you’re reading this, stop waiting and just book that plane ticket. You won’t regret it—trust me!

The grand reveal… if you’re a pasta lover, gather ’round because I’m about to drop some serious food wisdom! And if you’re not, we seriously need to have a chat over a bowl of La Mia Pasta. Yep, you heard me right. As featured on TikTok, La Mia Pasta is everything it’s cracked up to be and more. The menu? Simple but genius. They don’t need anything complicated—just the good stuff, made fresh right before your eyes.

Picture this: handmade, rolled pasta being tossed in a massive cheese wheel. I can already feel my mouth watering just thinking about it! Naturally, I went for the seafood pasta—because, well, I’m basically in the sea. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint! The quality of this pasta? Honestly, it’s the best I’ve ever tasted, and I’m not just saying that to be polite. Everything was perfectly balanced, from the seafood to the cheese to the pasta itself.

I’ve got some pictures to show you, but let me just say: they don’t do it justice. If you find yourself in Budva, Montenegro, this place is an absolute must-try. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

After the pasta nothing more could top off my night, so on the way back a supermarket was hit, by hit I mean walked in and PURCHASED the groceries. The night then concluded with some homemade popcorn and a movie, the right way to chill out before diving into more adventures and beach mothing the next day.

Budva Day 2

On my magic set of cards this morning was a little exploration down the waterfront the other way, a swim, and later in the day, a cheeky kayak.

My feet were sticking to the hot pavement in the blistering midday sun when I spotted something familiar: a football and two teams on a court. A five-a-side futsal tournament was underway right in front of my eyes. But not just any tournament; this was the Balkan Medical Facilities Tournament. Naturally, I joined the ranks of spectators, backing Nis based on my prime seat. What an absolute treat it was to watch! A small crowd had gathered, cheering on their respective teams, with a couple of standout players showing off some serious skills. Honestly, it looked like good fun. I was tempted to jump the fence, throw on a shirt, and join in while chatting about surgeries and neurology to convince them I was one of their own.

Moving on from the tournament, with nearly a full bottle of water drained already under the blazing sun, the beaches still looked amazing. The water shimmered in a stunning emerald colour, inviting as ever. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the architecture dotting the hills—those big, fancy-looking resorts blended effortlessly into the surrounding landscape, like something straight out of a magazine.

Even with a slight breeze rustling through, it wasn’t enough to fight off the heat, and I was in dire need of a quick dip. Finding a spot in the best swimming area turned into quite the pickle though, as the beach was packed with sun-seekers and music blaring everywhere on this fine Friday morning. After a bit of a search, I finally snagged a spot, and let me tell you, the refreshment of diving into that water felt heavenly! I could practically feel myself turning into a fish as I splashed around, escaping the sun’s relentless heat.

With my body recharged, it was time to continue the adventure and soak up even more of what this beautiful place had to offer!

It was decided that Mogren Beach would be my next swim destination under the blistering sun. But first, it was lunchtime, and guess what? On the way to the beach, I spotted that same pasta shop again! Remembering the joy it brought me last night, how could I resist? Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. So, I dove into another plate of what’s arguably the best pasta of my life, which put an even bigger smile on my already grinning face. I was practically ready to buy the place on the spot!

With my stomach happily satisfied, the adventure to Mogren Beach continued.

Mogren Beach was just as stunning as before, but this time, it was buzzing with even more people, all bobbing up and down in the refreshing water, thanks to the sun showing off. The beach was so heated by the sun that those small pebbles felt like hot coals underfoot. Jandals were a must until my feet acclimated and realised they wouldn’t burn to a crisp.

Once again, the water was just what I needed, offering a refreshing escape from the sun’s attack rays (don’t worry, Mum—I had sunblock on!).

The weather was starting to take a slight turn, with a breeze picking up just as we decided to go for a cheeky kayak. On our walk to the kayak rental place, we were greeted by a bunch of cats and kittens that seemed to be everywhere in Budva. Seriously, if you love felines, this place is a paradise! I could’ve spent the whole day just petting them. But alas, the call of the open water was too strong to ignore, so we pressed on, ready for the next adventure on the waves.

A double kayak now secured, we waited as the kayak guy demonstrated for a couple in front of us. They tipped out within the first 30 seconds, which, if you ask me, is more impressive than staying upright! After all, who doesn’t love a bit of aquatic drama?

Our plan was to pay for two hours and paddle around Sveti Nikola Island, checking out some of the caves and nature along the way. Solid plan, right?

The funny part was that the guy running the rental didn’t even ask if we had kayaked before. When we asked if we could take it around the island, he just smiled and nodded. So either we looked like seasoned kayakers, he was the most trusting dude in Montenegro, or—option three—he secretly hoped we wouldn’t come back and had a personal vendetta against tourists.

With lifejackets on (safety first!) and our dry bags secured, we pushed off, paddling toward the island as the weather started to shift. A slight chop began to kick up, and dark clouds loomed ominously in the distance.

As we approached the island, a huge flock of birds swooped around the towering cliffs, chirping and carrying on like they were auditioning for a nature documentary. The water remained crystal clear despite the wind picking up, allowing us to spot rock formations and the occasional fish gliding by.

With me at the back of the kayak, I took on the role of the photographer. This meant I had to change my pants every time I pulled my phone out of the dry bag—seriously, the tension was real as I prayed I wouldn’t develop butterfingers and send my phone plummeting into the depths. And of course, I only pretended to paddle most of the time (hey, someone has to capture these moments, right?).

One of our new favourite kayaking activities became “shooting the gap.” This involved finding a small space between rocks, sometimes barely wider than the kayak itself, and gunning it straight at it. The thrill of commitment was exhilarating, and to our surprise, we made it through every single time—luckily!

As we continued our adventure, we stumbled upon a cave that we just had to explore. We nudged our kayak into the entrance, the water so clear that everything below was visible, and the gentle sound of water lapping against the rocky walls was oddly calming.

Just outside this cave, we spotted a boat filled with some older fellas, puffing on cigars and hollering at us in a mix of broken English. After a bit of back-and-forth, we mentioned we were from New Zealand. Their response? Busting out the Macarena, which I can only assume was their interpretation of the Haka.

They invited us over for a drink, but considering our time was limited and the whole situation was a bit peculiar, we decided to keep paddling. We exchanged laughs and nods of agreement with whatever they were saying—honestly, who knows what I might have inadvertently agreed to in that moment?

At this point, the weather was definitely changing, with dark clouds rolling in, but how could we resist beaching ourselves on the island for a cheeky dip? So, that’s exactly what we did!

However, sea urchins were everywhere, so foot placement became the name of the game, especially on the slippery rocks. But despite the potential for a prickly situation, we managed to find our way into the water for a refreshing swim. And while I was splashing around, I stumbled upon a stick—ah, the primal love for sticks and water ignited like a flame! There’s just something about finding a good stick, or maybe thats just me…

With a slight moistness in the air and flashes of lightning way off in the distance, the waves began to chop up, but they actually helped us make it back to shore in record time. Just as we returned our gear and got changed, the heavens opened up. I mean, it was like someone had turned on a giant faucet—there wasn’t a square inch of dry ground to be found, and my clothes were soaked through. Thunder and lightning putting on a show, battling it out in the sky auditioning for a disaster movie. Talk about perfect timing, right?

The evening wrapped up with a tasty meal from a little shop right outside our apartment. The language barrier turned the ordering process into a fun game of pointing and smiling, which I’m pretty sure has improved my non-verbal communication skills tenfold. Another successful day of adventures crossed off the list, and now it was time to kick back and recover before diving into tomorrow’s activities.

Day Trip To Kotor

Today was the day for a trip to Kotor! After hopping on a bus around 9 a.m., it was only about 30 minutes before my feet were touching the pavement of Kotor, leading me straight toward the famous old town. I was greeted by the iconic town walls and the resident cats, of course. It felt like the perfect plan to tackle Kotor Fortress, perched on a hill, before the sun cranked up the heat (not that it helped much!).

Below are some handy tips and tricks to reach the fortress without forking over €15 for the privilege. Not only is this route more wallet-friendly, but it’s also way more rustic and scenic than the usual tourist path!

How to get to Kotor fortress for free

Alright, here’s how to tackle that Kotor fortress hike without coughing up the €15:

• Stroll Through the Old Town: Start by walking through the old town, soaking in the vibes and dodging the friendly cats lounging around. Look for the exit on the other side; it’ll be hard to miss!

• Cross the Bridge: Keep walking over the bridge, where you’ll be treated to some seriously picturesque views of the bay. Snap a photo or two; you’ll want to remember this moment!

• Hit the Road: Continue straight up the road until you reach a corner that looks like the image below, then take a right.

• Follow the Road: Keep following this road until you hit a junction (see below). You’ll notice some gates up ahead, but don’t enter there. Instead, veer off to the right and follow the path along the side of the fence.

• Mule and Goat Sightings: Stay on this path all the way up. Keep your eyes peeled for mules and goats; they’re the real locals here!

• The Plateau Decision: When you reach a slight plateau, resist the urge to take the path that continues higher. Instead, take the one that veers off behind a little shop.

• Find the Church: You’ll pass a small, old abandoned church. From this vantage point, you’ll catch a glimpse of the fortress walls, which is a sign you’re getting close!

• The Entrance: Now, you should see the entrance point. It used to have a ladder, but when I was there, it was an old bed frame propped up. Who knows what you’ll find now!

• Climb Up: Pull yourself up, and voilà! You’re inside to enjoy your free Kotor Fortress experience.

One thing to note:

• Just a heads up, you’ll need to head back the same way to avoid paying on the way out. But trust me, this adventure to the fortress is totally worth it because the scenery along the route is absolutely stunning! Enjoy the views, snap some pics, and soak it all in as you make your way back down. You’ll be glad you chose the scenic route!

Now that you’re up in the fortress, there’s a whole lot of exploring to do! Walking along the ancient walls and soaking in the breathtaking views over Kotor makes the sweaty, hot climb totally worth it. If you’re a history buff, you’re in luck—there are countless plaques detailing the fortress’s rich history and how it’s evolved over the centuries.

After soaking in all that history and taking in the views from the top, we decided to take the official paid route back down. A little birdie (a blog post) told me it was possible, and who doesn’t love a little insider info?

As I descended the countless stairs, sweat pouring off me like a waterfall, I stumbled upon the Church of Our Lady of Health. Trust me, it’s worth a detour from the fortress—not just for the charming church itself, but for the stunning views surrounding it. It’s like a double whammy of beauty and culture!

As I made my way down to the bottom, I spotted a turnstile gate that looked like it had just been installed—probably on its second day in operation. Talk about a buzzkill! Looking back up at the fortress we had just conquered, I realised there was no way through without coughing up for a ticket. So, I decided to try the other exit, crossing my fingers that it didn’t have a gate installed yet.

Unfortunately, my luck ran out when I saw a guy sitting there monitoring the turnstile. Not wanting to trek back up that steep hill in the blazing sun, it was time to try my charm and talk my way out of this mess. I explained that we didn’t know we needed to keep our “tickets” and almost convinced him until he gestured to the cameras and said, as much as he’d like to help us out, he couldn’t take the risk. He suggested we find our tickets on the way back up.

Well, shit. So, there I was, sweating buckets and feeling like my lungs were on fire as I trudged back up. Luckily, we found one ticket in a bin (shame, for the random person trying to leave), but we left it there and continued on the path we came in. Mistakes were made, but at least we exited through the window we entered, having explored the fortress without spending a dime. A satisfying little victory!

Now that I was down from the fortress and looking like I’d just run a marathon, it was time for some much-needed lunch. I headed to a TikTok recommended spot—BBQ Tanjga—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The meat was prepared right behind the counter, so I could drool over the delicious cuts and fresh salads as I placed my order.

The menu had plenty to offer, but I went for one of the burgers, and oh boy, it did not let me down! Juicy, flavourful (despite the sad looking picture, just was a huge bun), and just what I needed after that sweaty trek. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Kotor, and I’ll definitely be back if I find myself in the area again. Good food just makes the adventures all the sweeter!

After lunch, we ventured up past the old town of Kotor and stumbled upon a delightful swimming beach. Now, the water here had a bit of a silty base, which meant it turned a tad murky whenever you walked in. But hey, it was still refreshing, and nothing beats a good swim! We spent some time alternating between swimming and sunbathing, soaking up the rays like true beach bums. Old town photos below.

Before heading back to the bus station, we made a quick pit stop at Kampana Tower in the old town wall. This spot was a gem, perfect for snapping some banging pictures of the wall and that stunning emerald green water surrounding it. After our mini photo shoot, it was gelato time—because, naturally!

We wrapped up the day with a stroll back to the bus station, passing by an abandoned building that looked like something straight out of a video game. Seriously, it was like the set of a post-apocalyptic adventure waiting to be explored!

Back To Budva

The bus back to Budva wasn’t the end of the day… oh no! It was back to Mogren Beach once more for another round of swimming because, why not? I’m all about making the most of those sunny days (and yes, still slathered in sunscreen like a responsible beachgoer).

After a refreshing dip in the beautiful Budva waters, it was shower time and then off into the night. And guess what happened next? The pasta place appeared out of nowhere and practically trapped me inside, forcing me to devour yet another delicious dish of pasta—or is it pasti? Who knows, but I wasn’t complaining!

With my stomach now satisfied, my mind was set on some sightseeing, so I strolled around the Old Town to soak in the atmosphere, followed by a well-deserved beverage. I found myself at the Prince Pub, where, fittingly enough, I bumped into a bunch of English lads. We quickly struck up a conversation about all things Premier League, sharing our favourite teams and exchanging stories about our travels. It was the perfect blend of good vibes, laughter, and planning future adventures!

We decided to venture to another pub within the Old Town in search of cheaper drinks, and lucky for us, we struck gold! The vibe was perfect, leading to a spontaneous game of cards with some locals and a group of friendly Spaniards. Their company made for a hilariously entertaining night, filled with laughter, friendly banter, competition and not to mention some English lessons. A highly entertaining night.

Tomorrow would be the final morning in Montenegro before meeting up with Jan and Grant (Matts parents) in Croatia.